Zinfandel

Zinfandel is California`s most distinctive red grape and is one of the few that is considered one of their "own", even though it originated in Europe.

Although it has been grown in California for well over a century, it took the popularity of white ("blush") Zinfandel in the mid 1980s to persuade growers to retain their Zinfandel vines and indeed to plant more. Within 10 years, plantings had doubled and Red Zinfandel had become a Californian icon.

It is grown all across California though seems to perform best in meso-climates, which combine hot days and cool nights. It has a worrying tendency to ripen unevenly, leaving the producer with a sort of viticultural catch-22 - if he harvests too soon then he has green, unripe grapes, too late and he has dried out raisiny grapes.

After vinification, Zinfandel wines are often matured in American oak, which gives them a vanilla dimension. There is no single flavour character that can be associated with the grape - it can produce light, jammy, almost Beaujolais-type wines, redolent of freshly crushed berries, through to full-bodied, robust, oak aged wines brimming with ripe, peppery, cassis-like fruits. The best can age marvellously.

Peachy Canyon was established by Doug and Nancy Beckett in 1988. It is situated just west of Paso Robles in the Central Valley region of California. They have 18 hectares of vineyards and produce a range of varietal wines, although they are particularly renowned for the individuality and vibrancy of their Zinfandels. This wine is a classic example of Zinfandel from California, displaying a rich red-fruit profile of cherries, redcurrants and wild strawberries on the nose, with more subtle notes of tobacco, sweet vanilla and coconut spice that extend on the finish and open up in the glass. A perfect accompaniment for steak and chips or a red meat stew.

Cherry jam, damson and bramble fruit are layered with hints of thyme, sage and black olives. The tannins are smooth and the acidity brings freshness to the rounded mouthfeel. Perfect to enjoy with griddled red meat dishes, roasted vegetable and robust pastas.Katherine Dart MW - Buyer

This wine is a classic example of Zinfandel from California displaying a rich red fruit profile of cherries, redcurrants and wild strawberries on the nose, with more subtle notes of tobacco, sweet vanilla and coconut spice that extend on the finish and that open up in the glass. A perfect accompaniment for steak and chips or a red meat stew.Fiona Hayes - Buyer

With an average age of 81 years, when it says “old vine”, Bedrock means it! The fruit comes mainly from the Bedrock vineyard, as well as Teldeschi Ranch, Sodini Ranch, Nervo Ranch, Katushas, Evangelho, Esola, Casa Santinamaria and Story vineyard. This wine’s inherent quality is thanks to the quality of the fruit at source, while the various terroirs add to the complexity. The great concentration and structure displayed here will ensure this Zinfandel ages beautifully.Fiona Hayes, Wine Buyer

This is – as one might expect from the non-conformist duo behind Birichino – atypical Zinfandel with balance and floral notes, rather than high alcohol and overripe aromas. Dried cranberries are layered with sweet spice, redcurrants, sour cherries and black tea notes. Pale ruby in colour, it is vibrant, with refreshing acidity and a silky texture.Fiona Hayes, Wine Buyer

Sourced from Dry Creek Valley this cuvee is made up of 74% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, 8% Carignane, 2% Mataro. There is a richness and concentration that showcases itself on the aromatic and textural components of this wine. Rich red berried fruits and spice are supported by a silky density on the core with round but pronounced tannins and a refreshing juicy acid profile. Wild strawberries and pepper continue rather attractively on the length.Fiona Hayes, Wine Buyer